Reel for line braking system

ABSTRACT

A reel for a brake line system includes a central metal keyed hub with a plurality of metal spokes extending from the hub to C-shaped members. The C-shaped members are, in turn, welded to first and second rims. The C-shaped members and the rims combine to form an annular channel that will support and hold rope or line for use by electrical utilities. The spokes, C-shaped members and rims are all formed from metal rod, which allows the structure to be repaired if damaged.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to and claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/744,641, filed on Apr. 11,2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Line braking systems are used by utility companies to run electricallines. The line braking system usually includes a controller supportinga reel of rope or other line. The controller is fixed to a support suchas a telephone pole. The line is pulled from the controller under slighttension and is used to lead new power lines.

The reels that have typically been used in such line braking systemshave been formed from cast metal. They include a central cylinder withcast annular side walls. A central hub extends to the cylinder, againwith cast metal walls.

When the reels are inadvertently dropped, the side walls can crack andbreak. Because of their method of construction, they cannot be repaired,and must be replaced. Further, due to their design, these reels are veryheavy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is premised on the realization that reels for aline braking system can be formed from rod stock utilizing a central hubwith rod spokes extending from the hub to line supporting C-shaped rodsin turn connected to annular rims. Because the rod is made from rodstock, the overall weight of the reel is reduced while at the same timemaintaining the same or greater strength. Further, the reels of thepresent invention, when dropped, are less likely to break, and, if theybreak, can be easily repaired. Thus, the reels of the present inventionare less expensive, lighter, and easier to repair.

The objects and advantages of the present invention will be furtherappreciated in light of the following detailed description and drawingsin which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the reel of the present invention with aline braking system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the reel of the present inventionattached to a line braking system;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a reel of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIG. 1 the present invention comprises a reel 20 which holdsrope, wire or other line 22, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The reel 20 isdesigned to be attached to a controller 24 which generally would beattached to a telephone pole 26, or other support.

Reel 20 includes a hub 30 having a central keyed passageway 32. A seriesof spokes 34 extend radially outward from hub 30 to C-shaped lineholders 36. C-shaped line holders 36 include first and second ends 38and 40 which are welded to rims 42 and 44.

As shown in FIG. 3, there are a series of single spokes 46 as well as aplurality of double spokes 48 which extend from the hub 30 to therespective C-shaped members 36. By employing multiple spokes to the sameC-shaped member 36, the rigidity and strength of the reel 20 isimproved.

Reel 20 is formed from rod stock. Rod stock for use in the presentinvention would include solid and hollow rods. Preferably, these wouldbe solid rods with a circular cross section. However, the rod can haveany geometric cross section.

The spokes 46 and 48 are welded to the hub 30 and, in turn welded to thecentral portion 50 of the C-shaped members 36. The ends 38 and 40 of theC-shaped members are in turn welded to their respective rims 42 and 44.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, line 22 is wound between the rims 42 and 44on the central members 50 of C-shaped members 36. The C-shaped memberscombined provide an annular channel for the line 22. Reel 20 includesopen spaces 51 between the adjacent spokes 34, and also open spaces 53between adjacent C-shaped members which significantly reduces the weightof the reel 20.

Reel 20 is used, as shown in FIG. 1, by placing the hub 30 onto the axle52 of the controller 21. A pin 54 is inserted through the axle to holdthe reel in position. Line 22 is fed through the arm 56 of thecontroller 24 for use. The controller can be any commercially availablecontroller. One commercially available system is the Spider System soldby Sherman and Riley, Inc., of Chattanooga Tenn.

In the event that reel 20 falls and is damaged, individual rods (spokes,rims or C-shaped members) can be straightened. If these cannot bestraightened, they can be cut from the reel and replaced. Thus, thepresent invention allows for repair of most any part of the reel.Further, due to the fact that most of the reel is open, the weight ofthe reel is significantly less than a cast reel.

This has been a description of the present invention along with thepreferred method of practicing the present invention. However, theinvention itself should only be defined by the appended claims, WHEREINI CLAIM:

1. A reel adapted to hold line and attach to a line braking systemcomprising: a hub adapted to attach to an axle of a line braking system;a plurality of spaced metal rods extended radially from said hub; aplurality of metal C-shaped members fixed to ends of said rods, saidC-shaped members having two opposed ends, one each of said ends fixed toa first and second metal rim; said C-shaped members combining to providean annular channel supporting said line.
 2. The reel claimed in claim 1having two rods extended from said hub to at least one C-shaped member.3. The reel claimed in claim 2 wherein said reel includes four pairs ofrods extending from said hub radially outward to four separate of saidC-shaped members.
 4. The reel claimed in claim 3 further comprising aplurality of single rods extending from said hub to separate of saidC-shaped members.
 5. The reel claimed in claim 1 attached to a pilotline system with an axle of said pilot line system extended through saidhub.